Inspirational singer Sola Allyson has opened up about her upbringing, revealing that she was exposed to both Islam and Christianity at different stages of her childhood.
In a recent interview, Allyson explained that her environment largely shaped the faith she practiced as a child. “As a child I didn’t have the control to make certain choices. I had to practice the religion they practiced in the places I lived,” she said.
She noted that while living with her mother, aunt, and grandmother, all from Muslim backgrounds, she practiced Islam. “My mother is from a Muslim background and so is my aunt and grandmother, so I practiced Islam when I lived with them,” Allyson explained.
Her faith practice shifted when she moved into a Christian household, where she worshipped alongside Christians. “When I moved to another place where they practiced Christianity, I also worshipped with them as a Christian,” she added.
Despite her early exposure to multiple religions, Allyson emphasised that her personal relationship with God remains above any religious label. “Personally, knowing God’s love is more important than religion,” she said.
The singer also called for peaceful coexistence, highlighting that interacting with people of different faiths does not mean adopting their beliefs. “If I’m with you and you’re a Muslim, we will definitely have a good time; if I’m with you and you are a traditionalist, we will also have a good time. The fact that I’m talking with you doesn’t mean that I have adopted your faith,” she noted.
Urging mutual respect among Nigerians, Allyson concluded, “We all can practice our religion respectfully. We don’t have to hurl insults at each other. God is one.”
Her reflections serve as a reminder of the importance of tolerance, understanding, and harmony in a country marked by diverse religious beliefs.
About the Author
